Rafael Nadal beats Karen Khachanov, will face Dominic Thiem in Monte Carlo quarter-finals [PHOTOS]

On April 19, 2018April 19, 2018 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Photos12 Comments

Ten-time champion Rafael Nadal has booked his place in the quarter-finals of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.

Our champ beat Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and 19 minutes. With today’s triumph, he has improved to 65-4 lifetime in Monaco, and 393-35 on clay.

Khachanov held his own at times in the opening set, but Rafa moved through the gears and claimed his second comfortable victory of the week after his opening win over Aljaz Bedene.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

AFP Photo/YANN COATSALIOU

After the match, Rafa said:

A good victory. Straight sets against a difficult opponent. That’s the real thing.

I think I played little bit better than yesterday [against Aljaz Bedene]. My serve worked well and my forehand was better than yesterday. (via ATP World Tour)

Rafa, who is chasing a record 31st ATP Masters 1000 title, will next face Austrian Dominic Theim, who knocked out 2013 and 2015 champion Novak Djokovic, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-3 in two hours and 29 minutes.

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal beats Aljaz Bedene to reach third round at Monte Carlo Masters

On April 18, 2018April 18, 2018 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Photos15 Comments

(AFP) – Ten-time champion Rafael Nadal improved to 64-4 at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters on Wednesday when he reached the third round with victory over Aljaz Bedene.

Our champ won 6-1, 6-3 in 78 minutes and will next prepare to meet Karen Khachanov on Thursday.

Rafa brought up set point in the opener with a trademark, curling forehand up the line, before sealing the set with a drop shot. Bedene managed to keep the second set on serve for six games, but Rafa broke to lead 4-3 and wrapped up a comfortable victory in the Monaco sunshine with another break as Bedene hit a forehand into the net.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Tennis – ATP – Monte Carlo Masters – Monte-Carlo Country Club, Monte Carlo, Monaco – April 18, 2018 A bead of sweat drops off of Spain’s Rafael Nadal as he prepares to serve during his second round match against Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning the men’s single tennis match against Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament on April 18, 2018 in Monaco. / AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

EPA6550. ROQUEBRUNE CAP MARTIN (FRANCIA), 18/04/2018.- El tenista español Rafa Nadal celebra su victoria ante el eslovaco Aljaz Bedene durante el partido que enfrentó a ambos en la segunda ronda del Master 1.000 ATP de Montecarlo celebrado en Roquebrune Cap Martin en Francia hoy, 18 de abril de 2018. Nadal inició la conquista de su undécimo título en Montecarlo con una victoria ante el esloveno Aljaz Bedene, por 6-1 y 6-3 en 78 minutos. EFE/ Sebastien Nogier

EPA6550. ROQUEBRUNE CAP MARTIN (FRANCIA), 18/04/2018.- El tenista español Rafa Nadal celebra su victoria ante el eslovaco Aljaz Bedene tras el partido que enfrentó a ambos en la segunda ronda del Master 1.000 ATP de Montecarlo celebrado en Roquebrune Cap Martin en Francia hoy, 18 de abril de 2018. Nadal inició la conquista de su undécimo título en Montecarlo con una victoria ante el esloveno Aljaz Bedene, por 6-1 y 6-3 en 78 minutos. EFE/ Sebastien Nogier

Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the match against Aljaz Bedene during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament, on April 18, 2018 in Monaco. / AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

Julian Finney/Getty Images

After the match, Rafa said:

It was a positive start. That’s all. It’s important for me to win matches, of course. I need days on court. Since Shanghai last year, I have spent not enough time on court competing. Every match that I have the chance to win is a great news, because it [helps my] confidence and is a chance to play another day. That’s what I need. (via ATP World Tour)

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal gets his own suite at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel

On April 16, 2018April 17, 2018 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Photos7 Comments

Today was the official inauguration of the Rafa Nadal Suite in Monaco. The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort wanted to honour our champ for his amazing career and especially these 10 victories at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. Here are a few photos from today’s opening.

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

Julian Finney/Getty Images

According to ATPWorldTour.com, the 92m² suite includes memorabilia from Rafa’s career, including a tennis racquet, shirt, shoes and photos of his 10 titles at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, venue of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament.

Rafa was joined in opening Suite 1029 at the official hotel by Elisabeth-Ann de Massy, President of the Tournament Committee, Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, Jean-Luc Biamonti, Deputy President of the Societe des Bains de Mer, Zeljko Franulovic, Tournament Director of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, and his girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello.

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal’s Monday Practice In Monte Carlo

On April 16, 2018 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Photos14 Comments

Here you go folks, pics from Rafa’s Monday practice in Monaco. Vamos Rafa!

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal feeling positive ahead of clay court season

On April 15, 2018April 15, 2018 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos11 Comments

(AFP) – Rafael Nadal said on Sunday that he is fit and ready to defend his Monte Carlo Masters title and the number-one ranking this week, as he returns to the ATP Tour after injury.

“I feel that I’m playing well. I had some good days of practice here, playing some good sets,” Rafa said ahead of the start of the claycourt season.

“That helps me. I love this event. I always feel comfortable here.

“I’m enjoying being here in Monte Carlo in an event that always brings me to the best feelings possible.

“It’s hopefully going to be my first event of the year that I can finish. And I’m excited about that.”

Rafael Nadal of Spain speaks to the media during an interview session during day one of ATP Masters Series: Monte Carlo Rolex Master at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 15, 2018 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 14, 2018 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

The 16-time Grand Slam champion is bidding for an incredible 11th title in Monaco and his third in a row, but knows that anything less than that would see him lose the number-one spot to the absent Federer.

Rafa had been due to return at Acapulco in February, but was forced to withdraw before his opening match and admitted that it was tough to miss the American hardcourt season.

“I knew when I was going to be ready. The problem is that it takes time.

“Australia was a tough moment, of course, being in that quarter-final, winning the match and having that problem, having a good chance.

“But I took the right time to have the right rest. I did all the things that the doctors told me. Then I felt great practising in Acapulco, playing very well, but then just the day before… I felt it again. So that’s the real thing.

“For me mentally the second one was even harder than what happened in Australia, even if Australia was a Grand Slam and was an opportunity lost.

“The second one was frustrating because I did all the things the right way.”

Ahead of a possible string of physically demanding claycourt matches, Nadal admitted another injury setback is always a possibility.

“Well it happened twice so you never know,” he said.

“Being honest, I am not practising thinking about if that comes back or not.

“I had injuries in my life, as you know, more than what I expected, but the good thing is that when I came back I was not afraid about what was going on.”

Source: AFP

Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal is the best cheerleader for Spain

On April 8, 2018April 8, 2018 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Photos, Video15 Comments

The doubles match earlier today between Feliciano Lopez , Marc Lopez, Tim Puetz and Jan-Lennard Struff was four hours and 40 minutes of every type of emotion.

Spain lost, but it was amazing to see Rafael Nadal as the ultimate teammate and cheerleader!

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the doubles match between Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez of Spain against Tim Putz and Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany during day two of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Finals match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 7, 2018 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 07: David Ferrer (L) and Rafael Nadal of Spain react for Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez of Spain in action againist Tim Puetz and Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the doubles during day two of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 7, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 07: Rafael Nadal (R) and David Ferrer of Spain celebrate a point during day two of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 7, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain supports Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez of Spain in action againist Tim Puetz and Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the doubles during day two of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 7, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts for Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez of Spain in action againist Tim Puetz and Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the doubles during day two of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 7, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

Cheerleader Rafa in full force. We love it! 🙌❤🇪🇸💪 #Repost @daviscuptennis ・・・ @rafaelnadal experienced the ⬆️ and the ⬇️ of #DavisCup today #passion #emotion #colour #OnlyInDavisCup #tennis #rafa #nadal #superfan 💥 #rafaelnadal #rafanadal #kingofclay #vamosrafa #copadavis #rafafan #rafaelnadalfans

A post shared by Rafael Nadal Fans (@rafaelnadalfans) on Apr 7, 2018 at 2:34pm PDT

Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal levels for Spain after Alexander Zverev victory

On April 6, 2018April 7, 2018 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos11 Comments

Rafael Nadal leveled Spain’s World Group quarterfinal match against Germany in Valencia with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over Philipp Kohlschreiber.

The world one extended his dominance over Kohlschreiber to 15 wins in 16 matches to keep Spain’s hopes very much alive.

After the match, Rafa said:

It’s positive of course, winning in straight sets, it was a solid match. I feel comfortable back on the clay.

It’s always special to play at home at a Bullring Stadium, it’s very unique.

It’s a great feeling to be back, coming back from injuries is always difficult, but it’s great to be in front of my crowd on a very memorable day. I’m very happy with the match.

Tennis – Davis Cup – Quarter Final – Spain vs Germany – Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Valencia, Spain – April 6, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his quarter final match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber REUTERS/Heino Kalis

Tennis – Davis Cup – Quarter Final – Spain vs Germany – Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Valencia, Spain – April 6, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his quarter final match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber REUTERS/Heino Kalis

VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

GRAF7409 València (Comunidad Valenciana), 06/04/2018. El jugador del equipo español, Rafa Nadal, conversa con el capitán, Sergi Bruguera, durante el partido de la primera jornada de la eliminatoria España-Alemania de cuartos de final de la Copa Davis que disputa contra Philipp Kohlschreiber en la plaza de toros de València. EFE/Kai Försterling

VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

Photo: Davis Cup

Tennis – Davis Cup – Quarter Final – Spain vs Germany – Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Valencia, Spain – April 6, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal speaks with a official during his quarter final match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber REUTERS/Heino Kalis

VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

Photo: Davis Cup

Spain’s Rafael Nadal puts on his shirt during his match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber during a World Group Quarter final Davis Cup tennis match between Spain and Germany at the bullring in Valencia, Spain, Friday April 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point in his match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Finals match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber during a World Group Quarter final Davis Cup tennis match between Spain and Germany at the bullring in Valencia, Spain, Friday April 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

Photo: Davis Cup

VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

(EDITORS NOTE: the image has been converted to black and white) Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates the victory in his match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Finals match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Photo: Davis Cup

VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with his teammates following his victory against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

Photo: Davis Cup

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates the victory in his match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Finals match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Rafa hasn’t lost a Davis Cup singles rubber since defeat on debut in the competition to Jiri Novak in Spain’s 3-2 victory over Czech Republic in the 2004 World Group first round.

Alexander Zverev had earlier beaten David Ferrer 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in Friday’s opening singles match.

The best-of-five tie will continue with the doubles on Saturday followed by the reverse singles on Sunday.

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